INFRASTRUCTURE AND EVERYDAY CRISIS

The fiscal crisis threatens Puerto Ricans’ daily life in countless ways. This varied section examines attacks on Puerto Ricans’ health, education, and environment. Regarding health, Puerto Rico has always suffered from disparity in federal funding. However, healthcare will become even more precarious due issues such as cuts made to Medicare and Medicaid funds, medical professionals leaving the Island, and a general increase of mental health issues due to a wide-ranging feeling of fear and uncertainty. In relation to education, multiple authors report on the closing of hundreds of schools—forcing the relocation of thousands of students and the unemployment of many teachers. Other topics covered in this section are the spread of zika, drought, blackouts, landfills, toxic drinking water, and toxic ash. This section makes evident that if paying the debt is the priority, Puerto Ricans’ quality of life is barely regarded.